I intend to write at least one review out of this bunch, and I realize I could have requested review copies for free, but I like supporting presses that publish great writing. Abe Smith also happens to be an XFA from Alabama, and I always try to buy any Bama warblings that come on the market. But I’m excited most entirely because of the writing in these four books. I can’t wait. I’m going to light a candle and put my feet up and drink tea and read all the way through AWP weekend.

I keep getting invited to attend AWP off-site readings, and friends are discussing travel plans and the recent no-public-access-to-the-book-fair revelation, and I’m a little sad because I can’t go to AWP this year. I love wandering around the book fair, being in among the physical objects of writing. I love guessing who’s who at the hotel bar. I love sitting at the BWR table and talking up the journal. I even love sitting at the BWR table and getting personally queried about submissions. And I was so looking forward to eating sushi for every meal. I have a bookmarks folder just for Seattle Sushi Restaurants.

Header Image: from "House on Chicken Feet" from Design Observer, by Bernheimer Architecture